Rajamouli marks 25 years as director with 'Varanasi', starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka

Director S. S. Rajamouli's film career has now completed 25 years, and at this milestone his new ambitious film 'Varanasi' has come into the spotlight. The film, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran in lead roles, is set to release in theatres on April 7, 2027. The release date has been confirmed by the makers and the cast.

Rajamouli, who began his directorial career in Telugu cinema, went on to build a distinct identity across Indian cinema. His work has been marked by unique imagination, grand storytelling and larger-than-life cinematic presentation. Every one of his films features a powerful blend of scale, action, emotional narrative and Indian culture, which is why his new projects always draw attention from audiences across the country.

His filmography includes 'Simhadri', 'Chhatrapati', 'Magadheera', 'Eega', 'Baahubali: The Beginning', 'Baahubali: The Conclusion' and 'RRR'. The 'Baahubali' franchise gave Indian cinema a new identity, while 'RRR' sparked major conversation outside the country as well. After the song 'Naatu Naatu' from that film won an Oscar, Rajamouli's work received special recognition at the international level.

Rajamouli's films have always emphasised presenting Indian stories, culture and values in a grand cinematic form, and it is this storytelling that has made it possible for Indian films to reach international audiences. The reach of his films has not been limited to one language or one region, which is why he is known as a key director connected to the global expansion of Indian cinema.

Rajamouli is now set to deliver another grand cinematic experience through 'Varanasi'. Reports state that in the film Mahesh Babu plays the role of 'Rudra', Priyanka Chopra Jonas plays 'Mandakini' and Prithviraj Sukumaran plays 'Kumbha'.

After the film's first glimpse was released, discussion began around its grand universe. The story has a time-travel element and moves across different time periods and different places in the world. The film will feature a blend of adventure, fantasy and action. Shooting is under way on a large scale, and in July 2026 Rajamouli had said that about 80 days of shooting still remained.

After a 25-year journey as a director, S. S. Rajamouli's ambitious new project is set to be another example of his grand cinematic style, which is why audiences are looking forward to 'Varanasi'.